5. Wash your hands often. From cruise ships to cooking or eating with family/friends abroad outbreaks of vomiting and diarrhea, primarily caused by norovirus, are common. The best way to prevent illness is frequent handwashing with soap and water.

Need travel vaccines? Plan ahead. Most vaccines need to be given ahead of time to give you full protection against a disease. Visiting another country can put you at risk for diseases that may not normally be found in the United States. Getting vaccinated against certain diseases is one of the most effective things you can do to protect your health abroad.